Four Fun Things
Have you seen The Invite? Since friends kept raving about it, I decided to queue it up this week with a bowl of pasta on the sofa. Basically, an unhappily married couple invites their sexy neighbors over for dinner, and the night leads to unexpected places. The characters really rang true, and it was much funnier than I’d expected. Here’s a behind-the-scenes video where director Olivia Wilde talks about building tension: “We are isolated in this one apartment together, this pressure cooker; the air is thick with tension, and here we are, trying to wish it away with social niceties.”
Do you have an everyday uniform? Tuckernuck’s fall collection is full of timeless pieces you could wear year after year. Think: a zig-zag cardigan with jeans, a turtleneck dress with tights, a triangle scarf for chilly mornings, and oxblood flats with a padded footbed. Add a mug of cider and a library book, and you have the perfect day.
Do you have authors you always return to? Colm Tóibín is one of my favorites — Long Island was such a banger — and now I’m reading his 2021 novel, The Magician. I always know I’ll enjoy what he writes. What are you reading these days?
As the boys get older (and hungrier!), I’m constantly figuring out how to keep them well-fed. We eat lots of vegetarian meals, but they also love meat. I’m a big fan of ButcherBox. They makes it easy to keep our freezer stocked with ready-to-eat grass-fed beef, organic free-range chicken, and wild-caught seafood, all sourced from animals raised with no antibiotics or added hormones. Lately, we’ve had turkey tacos, salmon bowls, and spaghetti bolognese on rotation. Right now, you can get $20 off your first three boxes with code COJ. *Sponsored mention
P.S. More fun things, and what song is playing in a never-ending loop in your personal hell?
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143 commentsWait… did we ever get an update on how you felt about The Invite? I saw it on a friend date and we were both sooooo uncomfortable we were squealing! Which I guess means that the actors were incredible, but omg I hated watching it (even though I’d trade for that apartment immediately)!
My favorite book this year is “I See You’ve Called in Dead” by John Kenney. It’s funny and poignant about living your life.
This sounds interesting! Thanks for the rec. While I am at it, thank you also to the person who long ago recommended ‘George: A Magpie Memoir’. I read it and absolutely loved it.
I saw the invite in a crowded movie theater when it came out, and people absolutely loved it. I thought it was excellent. No kidding about the serious tension. I was thinking how sex was used to create this intense tension, and I couldn’t think of anything else that could have worked. The dialogue was excellent on so many levels although it didn’t ring true for my marriage. Anyway, I think it’s one of the best movies I have seen, and I wish I could also see it as a play.
I rented “The Invite” last night with a friend. It was funny. but also so painful to watch Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogan’s couple’s pain. I expected something more lighthearted. We both enjoyed it and we both were ” Wow that was deep! We were both reminded of Woody Allen, although I can’t watch his films anymore, his predator behavior really turned me off. Hurray fro more women directing!
I’ve been getting back into reading, and lately I’ve been reading on the kindle app on my phone because that helps keep me from doom scrolling. I’ve been reading The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower and LOVING them!! They’re set in the Victorian era in a quirky (haunted?) fictional neighborhood hidden in Primrose Hill in London and Emma is such a fun narrator! They’re novellas, so they’re quick reads – I’m on #4 of 8 that are out so far, and the 9th is coming out in February, so I’m hoping to be caught up by then?? I’ve been ripping through them, so we’ll see if I pull it off!
The owner of the local independent bookstore near me raves about them ! :)
A friend recommended these to me because I’m having a stressful time in certain parts of my life and declared that I needed low-stakes summer reading. I read 1-8 over the summer – devoured them – and now I’m re-reading. Can’t wait for 9.
They are delightful! The audiobooks are great (and I’m not usually an audiobook person for fiction).
I’m obsessed with this series too! Emma is delightful and I’m swooning over all the eligible bachelors in her vicinity haha
I’m on book 6! I listen to the incredibly well spoken audiobook on my long drives to far flung clients and cannot overstate how much the narrator adds to the stories, in this case. The narrator could not be more perfect and she makes the stories imo!
I liked them too! Something about a quick series brought me back to all the box sets I read as a kid.
Love the Emma M Lion series too! The audiobooks are so delightful, and I can’t wait for book 9 in Feb!
Tuckernuck is the best for wedding guest dresses! I bought 2 this summer. Got lots of compliments!
Just finished listening to the audiobook of Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell and I barely noticed the traffic on my commute while I was listening to it. So good, so sad it’s over! My other fun things lately- the gap double knee barrel pants live up to the hype (drawstring waist, don’t look like scrubs, perhaps the perfect solution for 2nd trimester pants problem?) and season 1 of deadloch
My I’ll read anything they write authors are Taylor Jenkins Reid, Fedrick Backman, and apparently Sarah J Maas ✨
yessss are you so excited for the new ACOTAR????
Randomly picked up David Sedaris’s newest, The Land and Its People, at the airport while waiting to board my flight for Hawaii. He’s a comfort author for me, and it did not disappoint! I’m also reading Isola, which I got from the library on a whim. It’s island-centric, but not tropical, so a little funny to read in Hawaii but so far I’m loving it. Really good writing. On the flip side, I finished Theo of Golden on a raving recommendation from a coworker and I absolutely HATED it. I know we’re all different, but when we chatted the next work day, I was like, “really??” lol
Same! I just couldn’t get into Theo of Golden and was surprised it got so many rave reviews from people whose reading tastes align with mine. Running to the library to get Sedaris’ newest book after your rec. Also such a fan of his!
Another no vote for Theo of Golden! My book club read it and I was the only one who hated it! Ugh. That and Yesteryear. How did these books get published, let alone popular?
I totally agree with all of you. In my opinion, Theo of Golden was like a Hallmark movie. And to answer Julia’s question, it was initially self-published and Allen Levi, the author, chose not to hire a professional editor, which the book desperately needed.
Agreed. Theo of Golden was a DNF for me. It gave me big time MAGA vibes and (before anyone snarkily comments or asks, yes) that was a big turn off.
I also DNFed Theo of Golden. Hattie said my exact thoughts of it being like a Hallmark movie.
Hi Jess, I’m genuinely curious what in the book gave you MAGA vibes? It seems to be one of those books people either love or hate (in my own group of friends at least) but I did feel like there were themes that both ‘sides’ – for lack of a better word – would enjoy/align with.
I LOVED Isola- so well written and it’s a book I won’t forget about for a long time. And like you, I hated Theo of Golden. I felt tricked into reading it after seeing glowing recommendations for it.
Hi hi! I happen to have that Tuckernuck turtleneck sweater dress and its so good. Got it two years ago. Get it!
I was so disappointed with Long Island. It felt like such a miserable book after the optimism of Brooklyn. Maybe that’s just me though.
It’s not just you! There’s no one to root for in that book.
I really enjoyed Long Island. I’m a fan of Colm Tóbín’s books. I had seen the movie Brooklyn, which I loved, and didn’t realize Long Island was a continuation of that. His writing is really good!
An unexpected delight of growing older if having read author’s bodies of work. My favorites are Octavia Butler, Lauren Groff, Ann Patchett, and Barbara Kingsolver. Nothing new for this side of the internet haha
You mentioned several of my favorite authors, Sadie! I loved Whistler, the latest Ann Patchett, and am looking forward to Partita, Barbara Kingsolver’s new one that come out in October.
I own that turtleneck dress from Tuckernuck. Can’t recommend it enough it. BUY IT, ladies!
I just finished The Left and The Lucky. It hasnt gotten much buzz but I found it raw, gritty and achingly beautiful. The characters were complex and very real. Not a light read but I would recommend. I also enjoyed Villa CoCo, Slanting Towards the Sea and The Things We Never Say. Im in the minority and didnt love Calamity Club.
I’m so glad you loved The Left and the Lucky. I have the privilege of knowing Willy Vlautin personally and he is absolutely wonderful. The kindest, most unassuming man on the planet. If you haven’t, check out his bands – The Delines and Richmond Fontaine (two separate things).
I loved The Left and The Lucky. Will definitely read more Willy Vlautin
Was in a memoir-reading mood, so just finished Cherry by Mary Karr (also her poetry collection The Devil’s Tour). I think I read every sentence at least twice, they were just so stunning.
I started reading Percy Jackson because my daughter is OBSESSED! And I want to understand what she is so jazzed about.
I did that too at the start of the year and I’ve really enjoyed being able to share it with my daughter … I am now fully invested too!!!
The Invite was such a fun watch, but Olivia Wilde is not kidding about that pressure cooker feeling! The tension in the first few minutes really did a number on me — I would advise my fellow anxiety girlies to watch with a cool beverage and a soft blanket.
I’m almost done with The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson and looooving it – easy to read, complex, likable characters, makes you think and the writing is lovely and surprising at times.
Such a great summer read!
My latest recommendations are Palaver by Bryan Washington and Minor Black Figures by Brandon Taylor. They are both insanely talented young men and I’ve read all their books. Very heartfelt, memorable, and zeitgeisty.
Love both of them. Have you read Kiese Laymon? His memoir, Heavy, is fantastic.
Ooooh I just read Minor Black Figures too. I loved it. I loved the pacing and the interior world of the protagonist. It was so tender! And I learned a lot about art… I love when a book has me looking up references.
Bryan Washington! Just the most gorgeous voice. Love all his books.
My daughter recommended Piranesi by Susanna Clark and although it took a little reading to get into it I ended up absolutely loving it. It’s hard to describe but along the same lines as to Madeline Miller’s Circe. It’s dreamlike and sort of keeps you off kilter until the end. I don’t think I’ve read anything like it before.
I listened to it an audio and really enjoyed it too.
Piranesi is one of my favorite books! It’s so, so good!
I’ve had a very enjoyable spate of reads lately – The Rose Code (audio book) – a more profound/surprising book than I was expecting, plus the audio narrator was great with the different voices. Strangers – thought it was fine, though I didn’t totally get the hype. Land – also fine; i enjoyed the first half more than the second. The Frozen River – loved it, couldn’t put it down. Also having a great time watching Ride or Die!
I just finished The Rose Code on audiobook as well and had the same reaction! I was not expecting much and it definitely overdelivered. Very pleasant surprise. Also love the audiobook narrator she is excellent.
None of This True by Lisa Jewell was a fun read for my commute to work. It’s page turning and I had to be careful about not missing my stop lol. I made Pollo al Horno (roasted chicken Dominican style) with beans, rice, avocado for dinner 2 nights ago and it was a hit. It’s on a weekly rotation. https://mydominicanrecipes.com/pollo-al-horno/ I order a small produce box and organic meat from Halal Pastures via Farm to People. I like knowing where my produce and meat comes from, supporting local farms, and that the produce is seasonal. They also have excellent customer service. I watched Death of a Pastor’s Wife recently and am just saddened and surprised at how people can justify terrible things with their interpretation of religion. (This is not a fun thing but it was something that I couldn’t stop thinking about once I finished watching it.) I’m looking forward to a cooler weekend and baking Deb’s majestic honey cake.
reading land! was on the fence at first (a little dramatic/supernatural/witchy like all her stuff) but now very interested in the irish history especially, care about the characters, and have to see where it goes…
I picked up “The Pillagers Guide to Arctic Pianos” by Kendra Langford Shaw and was blown away. The title alone is completely captivating, and the writing is fluid, beautiful and immersive. And it is her first novel!
This sounds good, thanks!
I am trying to read all of the Booker longlist! I am getting them as they come into the library so I thought it would be slow and then 6 of them came in at once! The Elizabeth Strout is my favourite so far, but I also enjoyed The Renovation by Orhan Pamuk, and I’m overall enjoying what a zany and surprising list it is. Sometimes it feels like everyone is writing the same book or some genres are all that anyone’s reading(looking at you romantasy), so this is an excellent corrective to that!
All my library holds came in at once also ! I work today so I asked my husband to pick them up. I said take a bag ! Among them are Under the Falls by Richard Russo, The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian and Big in Sweden by Sally Franson which someone on here mentioned ! I just finished One of Us by Dan Chaon ( I love him ) and Pool House by Mary H.K. Choi. Plus I requested a bunch by Shaun Tan books ( the art !) that I am perusing for gift options. I’m hoping for a sunny porch read weekend !
I really enjoyed Big In Sweden as a light read. Wish I could read it again for the first time!
I’m on a library budget but bought the new novel Exit Party by Emily St John Mandel. She is my all-time favorite author and I re-read her books all the time. I also just picked up Under Story from the library – i feel like they may have similar vibes.
I’m excited for Exit Party too !!
Same here. Can’t wait to begin Exit Party this weekend :)
“I’m on a library budget” might be my new favorite way to describe my current financial standings lol. Thank you for this. I’m on a library, make good coffee at home, and go for walks as dates budget.
I just finished under story! It’s so trippy. I liked it but didn’t love it — the writing, setting, and character development were decent but the sci fi aspect made it very confusing and at times hard to follow. Not to mention holes in the plot line when you really think about it (but that is the nature of sci fi..)
I discovered Colm Toibin through this blog and this summer, I read The Magician… such a fascinating, beautifully written account of Thomas Mann. I particularly enjoyed his insights into Mann as a creator … his ideas, his routines. It got me interested enough that I am currently reading Buddenbrooks, Mann’s first novel, cited when he won the Nobel prize, and loosely based on his own family.
Hello Juhi, I love Thomas Mann and now I want to read The Magician thanks to your words! This week-end is the festival of north american literature here in Paris and i can’t wait! Alison Bechdel will be here and Joyce Carol Oates, and Ta-Nehesi Coates! we’re lucky!
Wow Agnes that sounds amazing! I am so excited for you :)
I always, always return to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Elizabeth Strout, and Jhumpa Lahiri. Lately I’ve read and enjoyed Passing by Nella Larsen (that ending, wowzer!) and This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman. Also, I reread Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and fell in love with it all over again.
Chimamanda! I re-read Americanah (yet again) this weekend. One of my favorite novels ever. So heartbroken to hear about her recent loss.
Passing is extraordinary. I read it last year and then watched the movie that recently came out, and what a spell they cast!
Finally reading The Safekeep! Just finished The Reservation and it’s truly a delight if you have ever worked in the restaurant world.
The Magician is soo good! It’s one keep and read often.
Love your blog Jo, please always write!
I found this from that post (sorry I can’t link it so just copy and pasted): Antares April 23, 2026 1:11 am This UK based therapist (not associated) helped me immensely with my claustrophobia https://thephobiaspecialist.com/ In three/four online sesssions (intro free). I took a Eurostar last week + can ride in my building’s tiny elevator (not everywhere bit a good start!). Chrck out his independent reviews, he is incredible.
Any chance you were talking about this comment: This UK based therapist (not associated) helped me immensely with my claustrophobia https://thephobiaspecialist.com/ In three/four online sesssions (intro free). I took a Eurostar last week + can ride in my building’s tiny elevator (not everywhere bit a good start!). Chrck out his independent reviews, he is incredible. On this post: https://cupofjo.com/2026/04/22/irrational-fear-elevators/
I am about to start Elizabeth’s Strout’s latest novel, The Things We Never Say. Elizabeth Strout is my comfort author and this novel is on this year’s Booker Prize Longlist. Planning on reading Switzy after that which is also on the Booker Longlist.
TTWNS is great. Strout never disappoints. I look forward to reading Switzy. Love, love the title. It’s so cheeky.
Are you looking for this comment? It was on the irrational fears post from earlier this year: This UK based therapist (not associated) helped me immensely with my claustrophobia https://thephobiaspecialist.com/ In three/four online sesssions (intro free). I took a Eurostar last week + can ride in my building’s tiny elevator (not everywhere bit a good start!). Chrck out his independent reviews, he is incredible.
My book for late summer: Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett – Female, Nude – it is very smart and sexy!
I just read LOVED AND MISSED by Susie Boyt, with whom UK readers might be familiar — I think this is the first of her novels to be published in the US, though. I absolutely adored it and feel a tender ache in my chest when I think about it. Just a wonderful combination of funny and wise and sad and surprising and down-to-earth and literary. About a woman raising her daughter’s daughter, and the complicated relationship between the three of them. Oh, it’s just so wonderful.
This book is so tender and funny and beautiful! I finished it and immediately started re-reading it.
Ooh I read that this summer and MAN was it good. Such a killer ending. Incredible character perspective, too.
I loved this book too.
I really enjoyed The Invite. I think it’s Olivia’s best film as actress and director. One thing the discussion hasn’t touched on is the age gap between the couples. As someone more Olivia and Seth’s age, I find myself attracted to (in many senses) perceived wisdom of Gen X- not that they are always right, just that I perceive them as somehow knowledgeable. Just something I thought about sometimes during the film, as a latent theme.
i think gen x might be the last generation that isnt fucked up!
lol Riya we’re just fucked in our own special ways
Am a Gen Xer and it pains me to point out how many of my generation voted for Trump. Sooooo yeah maybe don’t look toward us for wisdom haha
Hah, I just told some friends that my best recent reads were: the latest Ann Patchett, the latest Maggie O’Farrell, and the latest Elizabeth Strout. So… you could say I am loyal to my go-to authors! 😂 Can’t wait for the end of this month when the latest Min Jin Lee comes out!!
Emily rapp black. I have learned so much from her books… poster child, sanctuary, the still point of the turning world. I haven’t gotten to the two more recent ones. Alert reflective sometimes hilarious real openhearted lifechanging and just really good writing, all of it
I finished Ann Patchett’s Whistler yesterday, while I openly sobbed, wandering aimlessly around Costco. As someone whose mother married 9 men 13 times (she married two multiple times), that book healed something deep in my core.
Just finished Jill Biden’s memoir ….loved it. Currently reading The Grace of Wild Things…a cozy, witchy tale involving a young curious witch with an Anne of Green Gables vibe! Comfort core reading!
I just finished Monogamy by Sue Miller and loved it – was like a fictionalised version of Geraldine Brooks’ Memorial Days (also loved, both about navigating the loss of your partner), and am now reading I want You to be Happy by Jem Calder – has had lots of rave reviews. Also loved this year Whistler and John of John, will finally get around to reading Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous next. (I adored The Emperor of Gladness)
I just finished Over Story by Chloe Benjamin and don’t want to ruin it for anyone but I’m in agony over the fact that I have no one to talk about it with! I can’t stop thinking about it! There is a scene with a newborn that took my breath away. And I can’t look at a mushroom the same. And the ending! Gah! Such a specific ache – a great book, unshared.
Can I ask – took your breath away in what sort of way? Wondering if it’ll be triggering to read as I snuggle my newborn. Thanks!
Just texted some girl friends yesterday: “I am approx 7 pages into my new book and already feel like I’m going to LOVE it” re: Under Story by Chloe Benjamin!
Under Story? ☺️
It actually is Under Story – I just put it on hold on my library website. :) I have so many books checked out! Currently finishing up The Shampoo Effect which is overdue.
Just read the synopsis of Under Story and it reminds me, broadly, of Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy, which I (mostly) loved. Thanks for the rec!
Haha IPKISS- oops! UNDER story not Over story- I must be stuck in some inverse universe. And the infant story line (as well as other parts of the book) deal with loss and grief but I would say it’s done in a tender and truly gorgeous way. If that’s sensitive for you, steer clear but if you want to explore ideas of life spans and the natural parts of dying in the world, it’s done with care in this book. The author also shared that she wrote this while experiencing chronic pain, so while it’s not expressly part of the plot, becoming a friend to your self is a central theme (and maybe why I adored the book so much!)
omg this BOOK!!!! I cannot stop thinking about it and TINY BABY SCENE omg. Omg!!! Genuinely couldn’t put it down, and I finished it like 2 weeks ago and I still think about it constantly and probably will forever, mostly in awe and a little bit grossed out, which is the miracle of life.
I recently finished this too and the grief really got me. I did find the plot line quite confusing but ugh, wasn’t expecting the grief and child death trigger </3
Joanna, there’s a clue (13 across) in today’s NYT Midi puzzle on “When Breath Becomes Air”. Thought you and Lucy would want to know. I read Paul’s memoir after hearing about it here, and loved it!
I am listening to Replaceable You – adventures in human anatomy. Written and read by the science writer Mary Roach. It’s about all the parts of the body that can be replaced… heart, lung, limbs, teeth, reproductive organs. It is fascinating and she is laugh out loud funny! Highly recommend!
I enjoyed The Invite! And I love Colm Tobin. I got to see him speak in LA and he’s warm and witty.
I’ve been reading Lonesome Dove for the last month or so. I probably never would have thought to pick it up except for the shoutout in The Correspondent, which I read earlier this year and loved. It started a little slow, but I’m completely wrapped up in it now. I’m finding it to be a surprisingly progressive and almost feminist novel, and quite funny (and horrifying at times).
Oh my goodness isn’t it amazing?! I picked it up after Austin Kleon (whose newsletter I also recommend), recommended it. I immediately gave it to my Dad to read and he loved it too.
My favorite book <3
My next read is The Big Roads by Earl Swift. I really enjoyed his book, Chesapeake Requiem. We took a big road trip this summer and I was inspired to read more about how the interstate highway system came about. I also love to read cookbooks, and I have Samin Nosrat’s latest on my nightstand. I have funny reading tastes, haha. I love nonfiction, it’s really interesting to me as well as often being calming to my anxious brain.
Oh I LOVE Colm Toibin. We’re moving soon, and thinking about painting, and every time it makes me remember his book Nora Webster, when she painted a room and her arms got so tired! Also, fun fact people may not know bc I didn’t know it– his name is pronounced Collum Toe-bean. I found that out from a video he did marveling about what you can buy at Costco!
I’m reading John of John, so far so good! Also read The Calamity Club and Whistler this summer. Looking forward to Barbara Kingsolver’s new one and The Pirate Queen. Going to be a great end of 2026
I love Sally Rooney
oh me too! loved Intermezzo, thechess player is such a great character! which is your favourite? love from Paris
The chicken used in the Wednesday food post made me feel so entitled for buying my organic chicken! I’m not sure how to wrap my mind around the inequalities that are present everywhere and for everything.
I appreciate this sentiment and I hope it can be a catalyst rather than a barrier to action for all of us. At the same time, I truly believe that when you can buy organic, it benefits everyone through less pesticides/antibiotics in the environment, etc.
Mm. That burning, queesy feeling. Of gratitude and relief mixed with shame, worry, fear and tiredness in the face of the immensity of the problem.
I’m re-reading Bad Blood by John Carreyrou in preparation to see You Can See Everything—HIGHLY recommend, whether you’re dipping your toes into the Theranos saga for the first time or (like me) are an old head. It’s particularly interesting/compelling to re-read in this age of AI hype. The tech changes, but in many ways, grift is timeless.
I will read everything by Jhumpa Lahiri and Tayari Jones.
Tayari jones is an incredible author. Her books feel like classics, she evokes so much emotion. I’ll check out Lahiri!
I’d read a Tayari Jones ‘to do’ list. She’s so spectacular!
I’m a Tayari Jones completist. One of the saddest facts of my reading life is that Tayari seems to be taking about one decade to write a book. I need so much more than that!
I just started The Shards because of the tv show, and also because I haven’t read a Bret Easton Ellis book since the 90s. So far it seems like it might be the perfect, Secret History-esque Fall campus novel, even though it’s set in LA. I’m assuming it’ll be much better than the show.
Did you know that Bret Easton Ellis and Donna Tarte were close friends in college?? Along with Jonathan Franzen. There’s a fascinating podcast about it, Once Upon A Time At Bennington College
!! Anne’s comment is blowing my mind :) also loved the Secret History so will check out the Shards! thanks for the rec :)
Anne, I did, thanks to that podcast. I think I’ll re-listen to it while reading this. Lili Anolik is such a good celebrity biographer. I especially love her book about Eve Babitz.
I just finished the series. It was such fun. I loved the interior design and the fashion (arguably better than I remember, but they are also very wealthy) and too course the music ( memories!) Cliffhanger! next season should be interesting
Ok, CoJ team, brace yourselves for the comments about the Butcherbox shoutout! Truly though, I gave them my email out of curiosity, and am rather blown away by the selection and quality. My family of four call ourselves flexitarians. We eat a mostly vegetarian diet, but are not strict about it at all. When we’re out, my kids will maybe order a burger. At home, we cook meat maybe 2-3 times a month. The fact that you can spread out orders to every 8 weeks, that the pasture raised grass-fed beef comes from midwest ranchers, and that I can get 1 pound! of scallops (the ultimate luxury I never buy myself) in my order may have me sold. Yes, climate change is here and we all need to eat responsibly, but in reality, not many are giving meat up any time soon. Let’s choose when and how we it with intention and gratitude.
I love everything about this comment. Personally, I’m not a subscription box fan, but my husband and I buy the vast majority of our meat from a small farm that comes to our farmers’ market to sell. We aren’t vegetarian or even flexi-tarian, but we do try and limit the amount of meat we eat, have a bunch of good vegetarian/vegan recipes in our regular rotation, AND love being able to support a local-ish farm that pasture raises its animals and produces really high quality meat.
We’ve never done subscription boxes but we have been getting Butcherbox for a few months and have been pretty happy with the quality of their products. The fish has not won us over but the pork, beef, and chicken have been very good quality.
Salmon bowls sound delicious! Were your neighbors home to smell it???
We make them whenever they go out of town! As often as we can lol
Hahaha!!!
I have a few current favorite authors to read and reread: Tana French, Richard Russo, Ann Patchett, and David Sedaris. I must say, I always come to Cup of Jo for book/TV/movie recs. They never fail!
Me too!!!
Aw, some real faves here! One of my treasured possessions is my ancient copy of Barrel Fever by David Sedaris – he signed it for me twice – once in 1997 or 98, and once again in the early 2000s. He was surprised to sign a second time!
I’m on a reading streak of three great ones in a row: God of the Woods by Liz Moore, Heart the Lover by Lily King, and The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon.
There are authors whom I like reading all their works but I also am a fan of certain publishers, one of my favourites is Persephone which is a bookseller out of the UK that re-publishes literature of 20th century women writers. I’ve read a number of their books and in fact am reading Crooked Cross by Sally Carson at the moment. The novel is set in 1933 Germany and it centers around a ordinary German family and how they come to navigate the rise of fascism, there is a heroine named Lexa at the center of the story as well. What is absolutely shocking about the book was that it was published in 1934 and the author had very astute observations about the arc of this moment in history, it is a remarkable piece of writing and a must read for anyone who wants to better understand how tyranny overtakes the lives of everyday people. As I’m reading the novel I keep hoping that someone will pick it up and turn it into a mini-series (PBS perhaps), I can picture it as a television show.
Thank you for shouting out Persephone – I think there is no one else doing what they’re doing and I am so grateful they exist!!!
I’m in my Joan Didion/Eve Babitz/Sylvia Plath era. Also, juicy literary fiction – the thicker the novel, the better.
LOVE this for you
I always return to Erik Larson, I just started Isaac’s Storm. Every time I read his books, I keep saying to myself THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED!
I love Erik Larson too!!! He’s a master of nonfiction
If you like Erik Larson, you might enjoy The Vortex, by Scott Carney and Jason Miklian. Nonfiction but reads like a thriller. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!
We are frequent visitors to Galveston, Texas and loved Isaac’s Storm. There are still some glorious old gems that survived the hurricane.
Hi from Galveston! Isaac’s Storm is a great book. I grew up in a house that survived the 1900 Storm. People sometimes think that Galveston was totally destroyed in the storm, but many hundreds of buildings survived.
I JUST FINISHED THE MAGICIAN LAST WEEK! I love it. Magic Mountain has a special place in my heart, so I was very excited to start it. It made me eager to read more Thomas Mann books. I’m going through the Toibin catalog, and read The Testament of Mary prior. It was a tough read, but tender. Toibin really captures the inner life so well. LET’S GO BOOKS!